Thelma Brinkley parred the first hole of sudden death to edge Pam Kerby for low net runnerup. Both finished regulation at 115.

The new champion's consistent wood and iron play helped overcome an erratic putter. She three-putted twice and missed several birdie attempts of less than four feet.

"I didn't putt very well," said Epperly, a semifinalist in last month's Virginia Women's Amateur at Hot Springs. "But I'm delighted to win. It means even more to me because I haven't played as much this year."

A recurring elbow injury from her days as a tennis player idled Epperly for the first four months of this year.

"I had a cast put on my arm in December and couldn't play any golf until the end of April," said Epperly. "Playing competitive golf like this helps me work out the little flaws in my game.

"Walking this course instead of riding a cart really helped my concentration. And the course was in great shape despite all the recent rain."

Epperly's victory helped erase the bitter memory of having been disqualified for missing her tee time in her last PWGC appearance in 1985.

Davidson parred the first six holes, but bogeyed five of the next eight and was unable to gain ground on Epperly.

Smithfield's Fran Harris equalled the tournament's best round of 71 to finish eight shots off the pace.

Hoffman, who entered the tournament with a 19 handicap, played the best golf of her three-year career in winning the low net title.

She followed Tuesday's 73 with a 76, her first rounds ever under 80.

Defending champion Mary Jane King made a late run at Epperly, but followed a double bogey on No. 17 with a bogey on 18 to finish at 74-151.

The top four low gross and low net finishers in each of the five flights were rewarded in addition to the top two overall.